The DEXcenter enterprise solution is a web based application automating and managing the exchange of CAD data in a multi-CAD environment between customers, suppliers and partners. Highly configurable to fit with any PLM environment, it automates the running of CAD systems, batch processing and translation with the secure transmission of data to the recipients.

DEXcenter offers OEMs and suppliers a secure, SOA-compliant, vendor-neutral platform for automating CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM interoperability workflows, including:

  • Supplier-OEM collaboration
  • Legacy data conversion
  • Model usability and validation
  • Long-term data retention and archival

DEXcenterDEXcenter consists of a Global Collaboration Portal providing web access and a Process Automation Engine that automates CAD and other processing workflows. The Global Collaboration Portal can be used with the Process Automation Engine as a completely stand-alone server solution providing interactive "Push Button" data translation and exchange. Alternatively the Process Automation Engine can be integrated with existing PLM or other business applications to provide robust batch processing. Modular components can be included to support direct integrations for PLM systems, archival systems, third-party translators, intellectual property security and model-based validation.

The DEXcenter web interface provides easy accessibility to all users with standard web browsers. The user interface is designed to provide very easy use for occasional and casual users yet provide advanced functionality for expert users who need greater control and flexibility.

Security

DEXcenter provides extensive out of the box functionality which can be deployed and in production in days. DEXcenter is highly configurable to quickly and easily satisfy a wide range of requirements. When additional functionality is required, the DEXcenter modular architecture makes it easy to add or modify new tasks and workflows.

Secure Managed File Transfer

Corporate product data is your most valuable asset yet frequently it is put at risk via unsecure email and ftp exchanges. DEXcenter provides a secure, web environment for managed exchange of sensitive proprietary data. Data exchanged through DEXcenter is encrypted while in transit across the internet to prevent interception by others. Additionally records of every exchange are maintained to validate what each partner was sent, when it was sent, and when they received it. Since DEXcenter is a web solution, it is extremely easy to learn and use.

Security

  • Since DEXcenter is installed in your network, it utilizes security mechanisms you already have in place
  • JEE 4 tier architecture separates data and application components to minimize unauthorized access risks
  • Industry standard JBOSS application server combined with Oracle or MySQL database support
  • SSL encryption for transmission (https or sftp)
  • The modular architecture is compatible with firewalls
  • Files reside safely in your network until retrieved by recipient or alternately can be delivered directly to a partner's SFTP site
  • Access is controlled by requiring a unique username and password authenticated through LDAP, SSO, or DEXcenter's built-in authentication method
  • Users can access only their own data and information
  • Suppliers have no knowledge of other suppliers

Management

  • Exchanges are organized into Sessions
  • Each Session is accessible only by the individuals to whom it was sent
  • Each transaction is logged in a database to support auditing and verification. A built in Report Generation function allows easy generation of usage and auditing reports
  • Automatic PURGE functions delete sessions of a specified age
  • User profiles maintain critical information to allow easy and consistent use
    • The type of data preferred to be received
    • Limit exchange to only specified recipients
    • Which data to provide to recipients
    • Transmission methods
    • Translation processing methods
    • Ensures ITAR Compliance
  • Protects Intellectual Property by ensuring appropriate confidentiality agreements are effective.

Process Automation Engine

DEXcenter provides a robust CAD processing environment that can be utilized with the Global Collaboration Portal as a complete standalone solution or the Process Automation Engine can be integrated with PLM or other business applications to provide translation and/or secure managed file transfer. The result for customers is an automated solution that reduces more than 80% of wasted labor and resource costs associated with data exchange, delivering critical data to partners faster.

DEXcenter Quality Driven Automation

Benefits of DEXcenter's automated data exchange environment include:

  • Automation of typical multi-step translation and transmission processes for speed, efficiency and accuracy
  • Automated translation validation to ensure translation quality
  • Automatic management of supplier translation and delivery requirements
  • Reducing translations (including recipient unique flavoring) to the "Push of a Button"
  • Automatic secure delivery
  • Ensures consistency and reliability
  • Incorporates "Best Practices" to provide high quality translations
  • Delivered with hundreds of predefined CAD related processes and workflows
  • Modular architecture supports easy extension for new processing tasks and workflows
  • Dynamic translation workflows enable use of different translators and/or translation options automatically in a single processing session
  • CAD license management maximizes use of expensive CAD licenses
  • Dynamic load balancing allows multiple concurrent processes to maximize computing resources and provide scalability for growth as demand increases

Technical Data Packaging

DEXcenter can automatically generate 2D and 3D Technical Data Packages (TDP) in both neutral and native formats for exchange with collaboration partners. 3D Technical Data Packages including PMI can be automatically validated. DEXcenter can be used as a standalone web application or as a complimentary tool with PLM.

Specific DEXcenter functionality supporting Technical Data Packaging includes:

  • Automated generation and delivery of 2D and 3D Technical Data Packages
  • Robust translation functionality using CAD system standards translators and direct translators
    • Native CAD to IGES, STEP, DXF
    • IGES, STEP, DXF to Native CAD
    • Native CAD to other Native CAD
    • 3D BREP and Feature Based
  • Automatic validation of translations to ensure translated models match the originals
  • Automated packaging into container files (ZIP, GZIP)
  • Automated secure delivery of packages to collaboration partners
  • Automated notification to collaboration partners
  • Confirmation of partner receipt
  • SSL encryption (https, sftp)
  • Detailed reporting of all transactions
  • Usage and auditing reports
  • ITAR compliance
  • Intellectual Property protection
  • Supports 3D Model Based Design and Model Based Enterprise initiatives

ITAR Compliance

DEXcenter facilitates compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which restricts the dissemination of specified high technology or classified military information. DEXcenter prevents dissemination without proper classification and notification and provides convenient reports for auditing compliance.

ITAR Compliance Features

  • Companies and individuals can be designated as requiring ITAR control
  • ITAR controlled exchanges cannot occur without providing required information such as:
    • ECCN/TEC codes
    • Export licenses
    • Authorizing Jurisdiction
    • Export Legends
  • Export Legends are predefined but can be edited as required
  • A notice of the ITAR restrictions is supplied with electronically disseminated files
  • Every transaction is logged
  • A Report Generation function facilitates Department of State reporting and auditing

Intellectual Property Protection

Protecting valuable product data is a critical business function. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) or Proprietary Information Agreements (PIA) between yourself and partners are frequently used to help ensure critical business data is not disclosed inappropriately. But often these agreements are managed differently throughout an organization or allowed to lapse. Both situations expose your business to losses.

DEXcenter provides automatic mechanisms to ensure PIA agreements exist and are valid before allowing data to be exchanged:

  • Requirements for PIA agreements are specified per Company
  • A database of PIA agreement information is maintained including:
    • Company name
    • Agreement number
    • Effective dates of the agreement
    • PIA legend
  • The PIA Legend is delivered with data files to ensure partners are properly notified of their legal requirements
  • Exchanges cannot occur if a PIA agreement is required and either does not exist or has expired
  • A Report Generation function facilitates verification and auditing capability